“Not to you, or you, or you,” she said pointing in turn to Conan, Oscar and Gaul. “My gift cannot go to any of you. I am Youth and youth has left you all.”
She approached the couch of Dermot. “You can never grow old,” she said, “so I shall always be with you. To you I shall give the gift that Youth can bestow.”
She raised her wand and touched him lightly on the forehead.
“I give to you the Love Spot, Dermot,” she said. “Who wears it will win the love of all women. No maiden will be able to look upon you without loving you. Treat my gift with honor and with wisdom.”
Then the maiden left the room, and the heroes went to sleep.
That is the way in which Dermot received the Love Spot. It made him beloved by all women, but in the end, this gift caused him great sorrow. You shall see in the story of “Dermot and Grainne” that the gifts of the fairies do not always bring happiness.
DERMOT RESCUES FINN
Finn’s dearest friend and constant companion, during his later years, was Dermot. This young man was most loyal to his chief, and because he was such a true friend, so strong in the fight, so swift of foot and so keen of sight, Finn depended greatly upon him. Where Finn went you were sure to find Dermot, and if Dermot was off on an adventure, Finn was pretty sure to be with him.
On the day of our story the two were out hunting with some friends. We find these Fenians on the hunt a great deal of the time. The reason is a simple one. From November to May the men of the army lived at the expense of the High King and the people; from May to November they had to get their food and clothing by hunting. Naturally, many of the adventures start on a hunting trip.
As this particular morning advanced, the party decided to stop in a little sheltered spot near the shore for their meal. It was while the men were getting the game cooked that Finn and Dermot strolled along the beach and sat down on a ledge of rock. While they were there a ship sailed into the little harbor.